Buying a hedgehog for a pet can be daunting if you don't know what to look for. These exotic pets are rare and sometimes illegal, so the first challenge is to find a reputable breeder. Even when you do, you'll have to be careful to select a healthy hedgehog with a great personality. Choose carefully, however, and you'll have a unique and loveable pet to treasure.

Steps

Part 1

Finding a Breeder

1

Check if hedgehogs are legal in your area. Hedgehogs are considered exotic pets and are illegal in some locations. In others, the sale of hedgehogs is heavily regulated and it may be difficult to find a seller.[1]

Do an internet search for hedgehogs in your area (“Hedgehogs South Carolina”) to find information about their status if you aren’t sure.

2

Find potential sellers. Since hedgehogs are rare pets, don’t be surprised if you have to travel a distance to find someone who sells them. Your nearest options may include pet stores, individuals, and full-fledged breeders. Professional breeders are the preferred option.[2]

If you know anyone that has a pet hedgehog, ask them where they bought it to get some ideas.

You can also search for something like “Hedgehogs for sale in South Carolina.”

3

Look for a USDA licensed breeder, if you are in the United States. The sale of hedgehogs and other exotic pets is regulated by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in that country. Not all breeders seek official license from the USDA, but this certification is a sign of a quality, reputable one.[3]

Professional breeders may also belong to organizations such as the Hedgehog Breeders Alliance, the Hedgehog Welfare Society, or the International Hedgehog Association.

4

Be wary of buying hedgehogs from non-professional breeders. Individuals selling hedgehogs from their backyard may have bred or raised the animals in poor conditions, and they may have health problems. Ask to see the breeding site before agreeing to buy a pet. Make sure the seller is actually caring for the animals, and that they appear in good health.

5

Be prepared for a wait. Unlike buying some pets, you may not be able to get a hedgehog immediately, even if you find a seller. There may be waiting list you will have to be put on until new baby hedgehogs are born. Other sellers and breeders may have an approval process to ensure that you are prepared to care for the pet.[4]

Part 2

Selecting a Hedgehog

1

Buy a hedgehog when it is 6-12 weeks old. Hedgehogs that are too young won’t be ready to live on their own. On the other hand, it might be harder to get an older hedgehog used to you and a new home.[5]

2

Play with the hedgehog. Like kittens or puppies, individual hedgehogs will have distinct personalities, some playful and active, some calm. Look for one that has the personality you’re looking for and pick it up.[6]

Young hedgehogs won’t be as prickly, and you can easily pick them up.

The hedgehog may quickly curl up into a ball when you pick it up. This is a natural defense mechanism.

Be wary if a hedgehog clicks, hops, or jumps. This is a sign it is frightened and may attack.

3

Avoid choosing a female that has been housed with a male. Good breeders will have separated young hedgehogs by gender. If males and females are housed together, they may quickly mate. When female hedgehogs become pregnant too early, this can cause a number of health problems.[7]

Accidentally buying a pregnant female can also leave you with a litter of hedgehog babies before too long.

Part 3

Checking the Hedgehog’s Health

1

Ask for certification that the animal is healthy. Reputable breeders will be able to give you information about any vaccines the hedgehog might be required to get in your area. They can also share with you whether the critter has had any illnesses or other issues.[8]

If the seller seems shifty or unwilling to share details about the animal’s health, buy elsewhere.

2

Look at the hedgehog’s eyes. They should be round, bright, and fully open. There should not be any sign of discharge from the eyes, as this can indicate an illness.[9]

3

Check the animal’s nose. A healthy hedgehog will have a dry, clean nose. A wet, runny, or crusty nose is a sign that the animal is not well.[10]

4

Take a look at the hedgehog's skin. While hedgehogs’ backs are covered on spines, you’ll still be able to see some of their skin as they move around. Be wary if you see any bumps, sores, or other odd spots.[11]

If the hedgehog rolls over, you can also see its fur-covered belly. The fur should be soft, smooth, and free of any mats or tangles.

5

Make sure the hedgehog is well proportioned. A healthy hedgehog will eat well. The animal’s body should be plump, with no loose skin. It should not be so fat, however, that it cannot roll into a ball.[12]

6

Watch how the hedgehog walks. African hedgehogs, a variety commonly sold as pets, are at risk of a neurodegenerative condition known as Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome (WHS). Before purchasing a hedgehog, watch it walk. If it wobbles, limps or winces, the hedgehog is not likely to be healthy, and should not be sold.[13]

Hedgehogs with WHS will suffer a number of health problems, and likely die at a young age.

Reputable dealers will not knowingly sell hedgehogs affected by WHS.

Community Q&A

Wear a baggy shirt or a hooded jacket with a pocket across the stomach. Hedgehogs love to dig and root in these kinds of shirts. They might fall asleep though in your lap, even if it is night. So be careful.

No, hedgehogs usually like to be alone. Two males together will fight if left alone. If you choose to get more than one hedgehog, you will need to buy another cage, igloo, litter, water bottle, etc. It's okay to have them play together, but only with supervision.

A breeder. Look on hedgehogcentral.com to find one in your area. Make sure the breeder breeds healthy hedgehogs with no WHS in the lineages, and most importantly, don't buy from a mill. Check their reviews on Facebook if they have a business page. Don't be afraid to ask them questions.

Check the health symptoms above listed. Ask an employee if you can interact with the animal. If it hisses or makes clicking noises, it feels threatened. Hedgehogs held in pet stores are not handled, so they may have trouble getting used to the attention. They can also be unstable and distance themselves from you once you bring them home.

Hedgehogs are legal in Texas. You can look at hedgehogcentral.com to find local breeders, as well as more information about hedgehogs and things you should know before adopting one from a breeder. Make sure to educate yourself first.